The Soil Moisture and Ocean Satellite, launched by the European Space Agency, is able to measure the salinity of ocean waters as well as moisture levels in the soil. The hope is that by monitoring minute changes in the oceans and soil we can better understand large changes in the Earth's water cycles. The satellite was launched this morning from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia, though the mission was approved by the ESA 11 years ago. For more information visit .
–Alison Kelman